My Story

In memory of my late father, Stephen Charles Foster, who sadly passed away from myelofibrosis in 2014 at the age of 59, I am embarking on an extraordinary journey to raise vital funds for Blood Cancer UK.

Myelofibrosis is a rare and devastating form of blood cancer, causing scarring in the bone marrow and preventing the proper production of blood cells. Losing my dad to this cruel disease changed my life, and now, I’m determined to make a difference for those facing similar battles.

Having rediscovered my passion for hiking and the great outdoors, I took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge for Blood Cancer UK, raising £1,645 with the incredible support of two friends. It was a gruelling yet rewarding experience—one that reaffirmed my commitment to pushing my limits for a cause that means everything to me.

This October, I will take on my greatest challenge yet: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Standing at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the tallest peak in Africa. The Machame route will take me through dense rainforests, rugged moorland, and high-altitude scree before I push towards Uhuru Peak, battling long days, freezing temperatures, and the harsh effects of altitude.

Every step will be taken with purpose—to raise awareness and funds for Blood Cancer UK and help change lives.

Preparing for this challenge will demand months of intensive training, and I’ve set an ambitious fundraising target to match the scale of the climb. To help reach my goal, I’ll be taking on additional challenges and events in the lead-up to Kilimanjaro, ensuring we raise as much as possible for this vital cause.

I’m beyond grateful for every donation, sponsorship, and message of encouragement along the way. Together, we can make a real difference in the fight against blood cancer.